Polymer Mechanisms Flashcards
(3 cards)
1
Q
What is cationic polymerization?
A
Using an acid catalyst to create carbocation intermediate
Effective only with vinyl monomers that contain an electron donating group (EDG)
EDG must be capable of stabilizing the chain-carrying carbocation intermediate
2
Q
What is anionic polymerization?
A
Use a BASE as a catalyst to create anionic intermediates
Vinyl monomers with electron-withdrawing groups can be polymerized by anionic catalysts
Chain-carrying step is a conjugate nucleophilic addition of an anion to the unsaturated monomer
3
Q
How to terminate a radical polymerization?
A
Chain combination: adding the second original radical
Chain transfer: adding a reagent
